Governor General Presents Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case

March 30, 2023

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, presented the Governor General’s Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case to six laureates during a ceremony in the Ballroom of the Fairmont Château Laurier, on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 11:30 a.m.

Organized by Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE), this award ceremony recognized Canadians, including youth, who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of gender equality. 

About the Persons Case Awards

In 1929, five women from Alberta won the judiciary battle to be recognized as persons, therefore making them eligible for appointment to the Senate. The Governor General’s Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case were established in 1979, by the Government of Canada, with the support of the Right Honourable Edward Schreyer, former governor general of Canada, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this historic decision. These awards highlight Canadian contributions to the advancement of women’s equality and celebrate Canada’s evolution as an inclusive society.

Governor General Simon stands at a podium and speaks to people in an audience.

Governor General Mary Simon delivers a speech during the Governor General’s Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case. The event was held in the ballroom of the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, in Ottawa.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2023-0041-027
Governor General Simon stands next to a woman wearing a medal around her neck. Both of them are smiling.

Governor General Mary Simon and Dr. Lynn Gehl.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2023-0041-033
Governor General Simon stands next to a woman wearing a medal around her neck. Both of them are smiling.

Governor General Mary Simon and Dr. Shimi Kang.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2023-0041-040
Governor General Simon stands next to a woman wearing a medal around her neck. Both of them are smiling.

Governor General Mary Simon and Farrah Khan.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2023-0041-048
Governor General Simon stands next to a woman wearing a medal around her neck. Both of them are smiling.

Governor General Mary Simon and Judy White.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2023-0041-057
Governor General Simon poses for the photo with four other women / four people.

Governor General Mary Simon poses with the 2023 recipients of the Governor General’s Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case and Minister Marci Ien.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2023-0041-078

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